Education Benefits for Military Members
Find out how the US Military can help you with a college education, and how to maximize your benefits.
Free Money for School
One of the biggest perks of serving in the military is the free education. There are several different education assistance programs available. You can use these tuition assistance programs to pay for online degree courses.
Tuition Assistance
Congress has authorized the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force to pay up to 100 percent of tuition expenses for eligible members. Each service has different criteria for eligibility and application process. The money awarded is normally paid directly to the school of choice.
There is also a MTA Top Up program that can help pay for more expensive education courses.
Montgomery GI Bill
The GI Bill helps active service members get as much as $72,900 for education and/or up to 36 months of veteran education benefits. You can use these funds toward degree and certificate programs, as well as other kinds of training. Additionally, the GI Bill offers benefits to Select Reserve Members.
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program
Even family members of veterans may be eligible for education assistance. Qualified candidates can receive up to 45 months of education benefits.
The Army Reserves also offers scholarships and tuition assistance, and there are college loan repayment programs that can help you with your online education costs.
Online Degrees & the Military: Be in the Know
If you're considering a degree online, you'll want to get all the education info you can to make an informed decision on where you study and what degree program you choose.
Here are some questions to ask about a given program:
- Will Military Tuition Assistance or the GI Bill pay for these courses?
- Are they accredited by a recognized accreditation agency?
- Does the school offer academic credit for military schooling and military experience?
- Is the program flexible enough to meet your needs?
- Does the degree program match up with your career goals?
- How long will the program take to complete?
If you know everything possible about your online choices, you will be able to find the program that best suits your needs and interests. Use the Request Information link to get brochures and collateral that will tell you more about a given degree program.
Online Education & the Military: A Perfect Match
If you're an active duty service member of the military, you may be stationed where you can't regularly attend college classes. Online education is ideal for you: it is convenient, flexible, and virtual.
If you're in a submarine deep in the ocean, deployed to the Middle East, or stationed on a ship far out at sea, you can regularly attend courses online—all you need is an Internet connection. Because online programs let you decide when to study, you can fit your education around your military duties. Study in the evenings and the weekends, and before you'll know it, in as little as a year or two, you'll have a degree!
Who Should I Talk to About My Education Plans?
If you're in the military or will be released from active duty soon, you know that you can either look for a job or further your education. You probably already know that the education benefits for the military can be helpful, but it's also important to talk to someone about your education choices. We advise members of the military to consult their education service officer. Their experience can help you make decisions on what kind of career you plan to have. You'll have more direction about where to look—either at a traditional campus or online degree programs.
The Right Degree for your Military Background
Chances are you have learned some valuable skills while serving in the military. Now you want to continue your studies with an education online that enhances what you've learned in the service. Here are some good choices for different skill sets.
IT/Technology
If you use computers in your daily work, you could pursue a degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, network administration, or information technology management. It all depends on what you enjoy. Do you enjoy programming to create software? Do you like working with databases? Do you enjoy IT but prefer to manage projects? Look for a program that meets your interests and skill sets.
Medical
If you work in any medical capacity in the military, you have several options for a degree path. You could study alternative medicine, dental hygiene, pharmacy, radiological science or nutrition, just to name a few!
If you've been working in a nursing program, earning a nursing degree, or even going on to get a PhD will perfectly complement the experience you have gained.
Law Enforcement
If your military role has you rounding up the troops, you might consider a degree in criminal justice. You can add forensics, psychology, ethics and criminal prosecution to your warehouse of knowledge!
The Next Phase: Veteran Education
So you've finished your service in the military, and you've decided to take the plunge and return to school. You're interested in studying online, but you're not sure what steps you need to take. Here's a quick guide:
- Get Your Documents in Order: Before you leave your branch of service, make sure you have all your military records as well as proof of your eligibility for tuition assistance. This will save you time and headaches down the road.
- Research Career Paths: Now that you're going civilian, what do you want to do? Do you want to build on the skills you used in your military career or start something new? The Internet is a great resource for any career option under the sun.
- Find Your School: Once you've decided what you want to study, find where you want to study. Search our site for e-learning programs in your field of study. Likely you'll have several to choose from. Find the one that perfectly suits what and how you want to study.
- Apply to the Institution: Each institute of higher learning has a different application process. Read through the requirements carefully and triple check that you have provided everything you need.
- Apply for VA Benefits: Your new school should have a veterans' coordinator to help you through this process. Again, make sure you meet all the requirements for your application.
Before you know it, you'll be a college student, studying, learning, and on advancing your career options with an online degree!
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